NORTHERN IRELAND: Protesters arrested after Raytheon occupation

Nine protesters were arrested and charged on August 9 after occupying the Derry base of Raytheon, a US company that produces software for "Guided Missile Units" (GBU), according to a report by Britain's Socialist Worker. GBUs are being used by Israel in its war against Lebanon. Socialist Worker reported that "Raytheon's computer system was 'completely disabled', according to the protesters, and thousands of documents were thrown from windows. A banner was unfurled from inside the building, reading 'Raytheon has been decommissioned'." After an eight-hour occupation the building was stormed by 100 riot police. Because the charges are "scheduled" offences under "anti-terrorist" laws, protesters' cases can be heard by a juryless court.

From GLW issue 679